Why Night is the Most Dangerous Time to Drive

Why Night is the Most Dangerous Time to Drive

Posted By
Hyland + Padilla, PLLC

Nighttime is one of the most dangerous times for drivers to be out on the road due to a variety of reasons, including fatigue, lack of light, and poor night vision. These conditions often create the perfect storm for accidents to occur, causing serious or fatal injuries. If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligent or careless actions, you have a right to pursue legal compensation. The personal injury attorneys Hyland + Padilla, PLLC are here to provide you with the skilled and experienced legal assistance you need to hold any at-fault party responsible.

Driver Fatigue

According to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation, about 60% of adults admitted to driving while fatigued and another 37% said they have fallen asleep at the wheel. Of the drivers polled, 4% said they caused a crash while dozing off. These poll numbers are backed by reports released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which stated that 100,000 police-reported crashes were caused by fatigued drivers.

There are many causes for this unsafe driving habit. Some individuals work late shifts, long hours, or do not get enough quality sleep, and possibly suffer from sleep disorders. Of course, none of these are an excuse for putting the lives and safety of others as well as your own at risk. To prevent accidents due to drowsy driving, the National Sleep Foundation recommends that all individuals:

Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night

Refrain from driving if you have been awake for 24 hours or more

Stop every 2 hours to rest if you are on a long trip

Safely pull over to nap if you are drowsy

If possible, travel only during times when you would usually be awake

Lack of Light

Now that it is summer, we are enjoying longer days and more light, but many still find themselves driving in the dark. Nightfall can affect one’s depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision. Additionally, the glare from other drivers’ headlights can temporarily blind you. Even with the use of high-beams, visibility is still limited to about 500 feet, which means you have less time to react to something on the road, which is can be particularly dangerous when driving at a high speed.

Of course, this does not mean you have to avoid driving at night entirely. While it is best to drive in daylight, this is not a practical solution, so here are some tips for driving in the dark:

Aim headlights correctly and ensure they are clean

Dim your dashboard

Try not to look directly into oncoming lights

If you wear glasses, get anti-reflective lenses

Keep your windshield clean to eliminate streaks

Reduce your speed to compensate for limited visibility

Impaired Drivers

More impaired drivers are on the road at night than during the day, especially on the weekends. People are off work and might have a few drinks while out for dinner or partying with friends, then get behind the wheel of a vehicle and cause an accident. This is such a common occurrence that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 30 people die every day in a crash caused by an impaired driver. In fact, one of the most dangerous times to drive is between the hours of midnight and 3 a.m. on weekends.

Raleigh Car Accident Attorneys

At Hyland + Padilla, PLLC, our Raleigh personal injury lawyers will investigate an accident and analyze the evidence to build your case. Motor vehicle accidents can cause serious injuries, leading to massive medical bills, lost wages, and even loss of work. You should not have to pay for someone else’s mistakes, which is why it is crucial to obtain legal representation as soon as possible to ensure you receive just compensation.

Our legal team is well equipped to represent you against large insurance companies. Our attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants truly care about each and every client and will work hard to meet your goals.